October Climate Review and November Preview

October of 2013 was a generally cool and dry month across south central and southeast Colorado, save for northern portions of the San Luis Valley, which saw above normal temperatures, and for portions of the Southeast and Southwest mountains, which saw above normal precipitation over the past month. The following graphics depict departures from normal for both temperatures and precipitation experienced across the state over the past month.

The preliminary average temperature in Colorado Springs over the past month of October was 48.2 degrees, which is 1.2 degrees below normal. Colorado Springs received 0.42 inches of precipitation and 0.2 inches of snow through the month of October, which is 0.40 inches and 2.7 inches below normal, respectively.

The preliminary average temperature in Pueblo over the past month of October was 51.1 degrees, which is 0.7 degrees below normal. Pueblo received 0.24 inches of precipitation and 0.1 inches of snow through the month of October, which is 0.48 inches and 1.2 inches below normal, respectively.

The preliminary average temperature in Alamosa for the past month of October was 42.1 degrees. This is 1.0 degrees below normal and makes October of 2013 the 15th coldest October on record, though well above the average temperature of 38.5 degrees recorded in October of 1969. Alamosa received 0.53 inches of precipitation and 3.5 inches of snow through the month of October, which is 0.15 inches below normal and 1.4 inches above normal, respectively.

Looking ahead into November, in Colorado Springs, the average high and low temperature of 58 degrees and 31 degrees on November 1st cools to 44 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively, by the end of the month, with an average monthly temperature of 38.1 degrees. Colorado Springs averages 0.40 inches of precipitation along with 4.7 inches of snow in November.

In Pueblo, the average high and low temperature of 63 degrees and 28 degrees on November 1st cools to 49 degrees and 17 degrees by the end of the month, with an average monthly temperature of 39.3 degrees. Pueblo averages 0.47 inches of precipitation along with 4.4 inches of snow in November.

In Alamosa, the average high and low temperature of 55 degrees and 19 degrees on November 1st cools to 39 degrees and 5 degrees by the end of the month, with an average monthly temperature of 29.5 degrees. Alamosa averages 0.42 inches of precipitation and 3.7 inches of snow in November.

Below is the Climate Prediction Center's temperature and precipitation outlook for November, which gives equal chances for above, below and near normal temperatures and precipitation across the area, save a slight tilt to below normal precipitation across extreme southern portions of south central Colorado.